#i'm only sort of familiar with this topic so let me know if you have any corrections

[thatssomegoodsoup]

Hello! If it's ok with you, I'd LOVEEEE it if you could please do Bumblebee x Reader prompt??

(I love Transformers, so... yee <3)

Sorry to disturb you, if I am.. 👍💓

Sure! Also you're not disturbing me, you're fine!

Imma do Bumbleebee from Transformers: Animated (2007) since that's the Transformers i'm most familiar with!

TFA! BUMBLEBEE X READER HCs

Bumblebee acts super charismatic and flirtatious but if you turn that on him, he will become an incredibly flustered mess

He will take you anywhere you want to go

^ He will 100% get distracted and start racing someone

He has a lot of energy and will jump from topic to topic, so reader is a good listener!

Despite him acting nonchalant and comedic, he really does worry for your safety

You get along with the other autobots fairly easy

Reader and Bumblebee tease each other A LOT

^ y'all need to stop flirting during battles ngl

His nickname for you is probably some kind of flower and you call him 'honeybee'

You two like playing video games together

If you said you liked a certain topic or hobby that he isn't familiar with, he would try to learn about that hobby or topic for you!

^ Although he might wind up learning about something completely unrelated, leading to the reader having to teach him about the topic or hobby

^ Bonus points if its a hands-on hobby, a topic about something imaginative, or some sort of adventurous or unique hobby, he would 100% want to learn and participate

He likes racing w the reader (He lets you win. Sometimes.)

Reader and Sari are good friends as well

He will calm down and stop being incredibly energetic if you're having a bad day. If you need quiet, he'll quiet down as well and make sure everyone else is quiet.

He likes adventuring w the reader

Bumblebee LOVES cuddles (he is very careful since you're considerably smaller than him)

He likes any gift you get him, especially handmade gifts!

He finds it cute when the reader falls asleep against him

If anything ever happened to you during or after a battle he would be incredibly stressed and constantly bother Ratchet with questions (if Ratchet tries to lock Bee out of the med room he WILL find a way to break in)

He is VERY touchy (if you have boundaries with touch he would try his best to follow them (and sometimes fail))

He likes watching cartoons w the reader

If you ever got kidnapped by the decepticons, he would be angrier than he ever has been in his life, even lashing out at those he's friends with (to which he apologizes for)

^ He will only stop being angry towards everyone around him when he knows you're alive and well

^ He would be incredibly clingy, on edge, and paranoid for a few days after he and the autobots get you back

I hope this is good @elementaldragon47! Enjoy!

Credit for divider: @popmilky

[random-fandom1984]

TFP! Bumblebee x SG! Cybertronian Reader

Requested by @alex21705

●It is midday, and you're patrolling somewhere in Louisiana, when a thunderstorm hit ●You called for a Groundbridge, and just as you passed through, a lightning bot struck the portal, and you didn't get to react in time as it pulled you in like a Black Hole ●When passing through, you expected to be in some sort of different Shadow Zone, but no; it was an alternate reality! ●To say you were confused was an understatement. Why are your colleagues suddenly so... nice? Why are their paint jobs different? Why was your closest friend so adorable?! What do you mean they didn't have another bot named C/n?! ●You weren't used to this nice, go-to happy atmosphere, especially Ratchet and Optimus NOT being psychopaths. But you weren't complaining. ●You were assigned to be Bumblebee's partner when going on patrols and missions, and you were confused.

-Optimus: I'm sure you're familiar with Bumblebee. Although he might not be like your world's version of him, I'm sure he will make you feel welcomed. -Bumblebee: *Beeps in confirmation* :) -C/n: ... Don't you mean Goldbug? -Bumblebee: *Beeps in confusion* ? -Optimus: No?

●So, the meeting was going great! ●As time passed by, you grew to like this place. Everything was peaceful when their world's version of Decepticons weren't trying to destroy shit. ●When you first arrived, you were aggressive, on guard like everyone and everything was going to attack you at any given moment. ●But the more you spent time here, you've cooled down a lot. You asked questions about topics like a toddler would, letting your interest be know that aren't about slaughter, murder, torturing; in fact, you started losing interest in those things! Spending time in this universe actually made you start seeing the brighter things in life. ●Not only that, but the more you started changing to a life a peace, you... started getting nightmares about what will happen when you return, and they see the changes. Most likely torture you without a second glance, possibly kill you for straying against the Autobot cause. But what will hurt most is what will Goldbug do when he sees the new you? You've known how he is with your world's Decepticons, basically a mini-Optimus in the making. ●But, of course, Bumblebee saw how nervous you were being, and confronted him about your behavior is when you let everything of your being fall apart, telling him that your scared. Scared of what will possibly happen when you return. It's not like you can stay in their world forever; you'd have to go back at some point. ●In response, he'd pull you into a hug, rubbing your back plates in a slow, gently manor, beeping in a tone that can be music. The first time he did this is when you felt your spark thump, and you just hugged him back, and the both of you fell into recharge, not once letting go are letting your grip become loose in the slightest.

-Raf: Bumblebee? Where are you? It's time for me to go- *Hears familiar beeping in the next room* Bee? Oh! *Looks in the room as see's Bumblebee hold C/n in his lap, arms wrapped around them as their arms are wrapped around his waist, both sleeping away* I'll just ask Ratchet. *Walks away*

●As time goes on, the pinning becomes so obvious majority of the team is just groaning in annoyance, they get that this is adorable but just get together already! ●Usually, whenever he gets upset over something, he would seek you out, and just wraps his arms around you because when he's with you, he doesn't want you to leave and holding onto you is his only security of that never happening. ●There was only one bot that he was jealous of, that's in his world, and it's Smokescreen. Ever since he's joined the team, he's been dropping pick-up line after pick-up line, and making your laugh! It should be him causing him to make you laugh, not him! ●The funny thing is that you like it when he seeks you out for comfort, causing you to quietly laugh at his adorableness. If Bumblebee finds out about this, he'll make sure to do that every single time he finds himself in the same room as you. 1 for Bee, 0 for Mr. Destiny Child. ●Often times, ever since Ratchet has gotten closer to find out a way to send you back home, Bumblebee has been trying to convince you to stay, and honestly... you've been considering it. ●I mean, on the one hand if you go back home, you'll see your team again! But on the other hand, ...you would probably get tortured for changing your ideals. ●And so, with a heavy spark, you decided to stay!

Meanwhile...

●Goldbug has been searching for you. You should've came through the Groundbridge and back to base. ●The others suspected that you were probably captured by the Decepticons, but they didn't bother. One less bot to waste Energon resources. ●But not Goldbug. He hasn't rest ever since you've disappeared. The bot he fell in love with just disappears? No. There's gotta be an explanation for this. ●Forcing SG! Raf to look through security cameras in the area you were in, he found out why. Stupid thunderstorm. But... at least this gives him a lead to find out where you went on his own. ●He will not rest until he finds you and returns you back.

Part 2?

[daisyofwaterdeep]

Kind of a niche one but.. how Gale/Gortash/Astarion/Halsin/Zevlor/Whoeverthefuckelse would react to a gn tav coming back from a god awful date and complaining about how they feel unlovable (<- to the guy who wants to fuck them insane)

you have no idea just how topical this request is to me right now ಥ_ಥ

I did Gale, Wyll, Astarion, Halsin, Gortash and Zevlor <3

~

Gale: He'll be a ball of jealous yearning as you talk with him. The fact that this random stranger was bold enough to ask you out and secure a date with you, something he hasn't had the bravery to do, irritates him to no end. And then to find out that the guy treated you terribly? Oh, he has words he wants to say, but he fears that you'll think lesser of him if he says them. But as soon as you start berating yourself, that yearning finally boils over and he stands up before offering you his hand. "Come on," He'll say, cheeks flushed, "I'm taking you out. Whether you want to consider it a date or not is up to you, but you deserve to have a nice night."

Wyll: He's going to hold his tongue and let you lament over your bad date until you say something about feeling unloveable. He'll stop you right there and tell you to look at him. Your heart skips a beat because his gaze is so intense. And then he'll just say, "Fuck that guy." Hearing Wyll curse is a rare treat, and it really lets you know just how much he means it. Expect him to hit you up for a date in the coming week, once the sourness of your previous one has worn off a bit

Astarion: Oh, he's totally gonna be the shit talking type. Every detail you provide about your date, he's going to mock them for it. "He didn't escort you to the bar? Ugh, figures..." and "What do you mean he didn't order for you? What a prick!". By the end of it, you'll be slamming the guy with Astarion and laughing about it. And after you're feeling better, Astarion moves in a little closer, his voice dropping in a sincere tone that you rarely get to hear from him. "You deserve so much better, love. Truly."

Halsin: He's had his fair share of unpleasant romantic experiences, so he knows where you're coming from. But when you start talking like it's your fault, he's going to put his foot down. Telling you that it's normal to internalize the frustration, but to not let yourself get carried away with it, because it's simply not true. And when you still don't seem like you believe it, he's going to start listing all of your best qualities, including ones that are so niche and small that it becomes obvious he's been totally enamored with you for a long time

Gortash: He almost seems dismissive when you share your woes. After spilling your heart and your insecurites, he'll pat your hand and tell you to keep your chin up and just keep trying. It only serves to make you feel worse, though. But then the next day, you hear from the friend that hooked you up with your bad date that the guy went missing in the middle of the night...there's no way to prove that Gortash was behind it, but you certainly have your suspicions

Zevlor: He's not sure why you decided to tell him about your relationship problems because even if he's older, he doesn't have much experience in that area. And as you continue talking to him, he lets you know as much, "I may not be familiar with proper courtship, but that certainly isn't the way to treat a potential partner." His comment makes your own woes dry up, and you start questioning him about his love life. Seeing how flustered and shy he gets all of a sudden makes you forget all about your terrible date--because now, the only thing you can think about is the sort of date you want to take Zevlor on (secretly, he's already plotting a date of his own with you <3)

[mrs-barnes-rogers-writes]

The Feral Princess - Part 1

Marvel AU

Pairing: Stucky x Reader

Theme: Soulmate AU / Medieval / Fantasy / Soulmate Marks

Summary: Bucky and Steve have known they were soulmates since they were children. Fate bringing a then sickly Steve and the future King together. War takes them apart and throws them back together over and over, in and out of each other lives, arms and beds. But something is missing and throughout, they know they are missing their third and final piece. The kingdom is now Bucky's and Steve's, the latter now a leader and no longer a sickly child. Both are war heroes, with the respect of their country and those that surround it. They are a force to be reconned with, admired and respected within the other royal houses. They could have any maiden or princess they wanted, but they don't want just anyone. They want their soulmate. They want their princess. Even if she is known as The Feral Princess.

Chapter Summary: *The easiest way to find your soulmate is to throw a ball, or you could just show a certain worldly lady your marks.

*This is an expansion of the sneak peek.

"A BALL!!! That's the best way!" Becca exclaimed.

Bucky rubbed his hand down his face, frustrated by his sister's input.

"Becca, why are you here?" He asked.

"I'm your sister, why wouldn't I be?"

"How did you even know this meeting was going on?"

The group, made up of all of Steve and Bucky's closest confidants, turned to look at Sam.

"It's not my fault, she wouldn't let me leave this morning and she is your sister."

"Maybe keep our plans out of your pillow talk." Bucky said disgusted, throwing a cushion at him in the process.

Natasha decided to try and move the conversation forward. This had already been the topic of every single meeting for almost a year.

"James, Steven, Rebecca does have a point. Balls are the usual way to find your soulmate, but before you interrupt James, I also know that isn't something you want to do. Too many people. Too many overeager maids, trying to part you both. There are other ways."

"Go on." Pushed Steve.

"Well, the chances are she could be of a similar standing to you, similar life experiences." Nat continued.

"Not many princesses have experience of war or know how to wield a sword." Clint threw in.

"Your wife could." Nat threw back.

"Because she was defending her family and, no offence honey, but you aren't a princess." He replied, turning to Laura.

"I'm not but Nat has a point."

"How so?" Asked Steve.

"There's always some sort of common ground, something familiar that ties you together." Laura replied, Steve nodded in understanding as Bucky huffed.

"So, we draw up a possible list" Nat continued, "princesses, maids and ladies of good standing. No meek and mild. Rule out any we know are wed, already with their soulmates, and then send for them or send someone to them."

Steve glanced to his left at Bucky.

"Buck?"

"Then one of you would have to see our marks." Bucky added.

"Yes James, that's how this works." Nat replied.

He sighed. He knew deep down this was the only way. He'd either have to scour every kingdom himself or throw a damn ball, and he couldn't let his sister be right.

"Fine!" He snapped standing abruptly. He began to throw off his boots and socks and pull up his trouser leg. Steve alarmed by his soulmates sudden agreement, started to quickly move to do the same.

"Should we send for Strange or Wanda? They could take an imprint" Asked Becca.

Natasha knelt down to examine their marks. Sure enough on their left ankles they had each others marks but alongside them, was another. Natasha smirked to herself. She knew those marks.

"No need for an imprint Princess. I know these markings."

Confusion washed over the group.

"What? How?" Asked Steve his voice quiet now. He'd always been careful to keep his covered and to his knowledge so had Bucky.

"A princess I know bares your marks."

"Who?" Questioned Bucky.

"Princess Y/N."

“You’re sure?” Steve asked nervously. He had been told once before of a match, only for it to be a lie and nearly rip him and Bucky apart in the process.

“I’d put my life on it.” replied Natasha.

“When?” asked Bucky.

“When what James?”

“When did you see her marks? Princesses, ladies, those from Royal households or court don’t usually flaunt their marks.”

“I met her during my time in France.”

Steve and Bucky both raised an eyebrow and glanced at each other. They were well aware of why ladies of the court and princesses go to France. Steve cleared his throat, a slight blush across his cheeks.

“And why was she in France?”

A smirk spread across Natasha’s face.

“For schooling of course.”

“Sam send a message to her guardians, we seek her hand.” instructed Steve. Sam nodded but was halted by Bucky’s firm voice.

“Wait! We won’t be seeking her hand.”

“Buck! You agreed, you said…” protested Steve.

“She has turned down every offer of courting and every marriage proposal from every admirer she has ever had, as have her guardians. The last one she shot through the leg with an arrow, the one before she threatened with a Wakandan blade, and then there’s the one the maid poisoned. So we make it clear that we are claiming her hand. Not seeking it. We are to wed her not court her.”

“So just so I have this right” replied Sam, sounding a little exasperated, knowing the trouble this could cause, “you want to send a message to the houses of Loxley AND Lionheart to say you are claiming the heart and hand and, well staking a claim, on their princess, the one known as The Feral Princess?”

Bucky was first to reply.

“Yes Samuel. Oh and make it clear, if she doesn’t come, I will fetch her.”

Fancy a cuppa? My Ko-Fi.

TAGLIST

@animegirlgeeky

[azulonso]

Good Luck

A Valentine's Day special with lesbian!rosquez (funny cause it's 15th already) AO3 ver.

It was late saturday night, several hours right after qualifying. Most riders and their teams had gone to their own motorhomes. But for some unknown reasons, Marcia found herself sitting alone outside, staring into the night sky. There was a race tomorrow, but she couldn't bring herself to rest, well she was about to before a familiar voice greeted her.

"Oh still here?"

It was Vale. Valentina. The Valentina Rossi. The Doctor. Her Idol? Her crush or whatever feeling Marcia couldn't sort out towards her. Not important right now anyways.

"Ah yes, I'm about to head back though," she replied.

Liar you would trade the world to have an alone moment with her.

Valentina looked at her and pulled a face, her typical expression, "Well then I'm not going to disturb your beautiful alone time right now so–"

"Wait no nevermind I can spare 10 minutes, or more." The words just slipped right through Marcia's tongue. What are you even thinking about.

The older rider's face above her brightened up and settled her position to sit right beside Marcia, leaving only a centimeter between their fingers now.

"Congratulations on the pole, by the way." said Valentina casually, gaze fixated on whatever is in front of them, Marcia didn't know, she was staring at the ground, thinking if she ever saved the world in her previous life in return to have Valentina congratulating her. It wasn't a special one actually, not a home race, just another race she determined to win.

"Thanks," that was all she could replied her with.

"Do you know what date today is?" Valentina tried to change the topic again.

"It's February 14th, Valentine's day yeah I know."

Well of course Marcia knew, Alex had promised her that she would spend the day with her since what else do you need a sibling for? But that was before her younger sister canceled their plan out from nowhere, unlikely from her but Marcia let her go anyway.

"Then are you not spending it with someone? A boyfriend perhaps? Or a girlfriend?" The Italian asked again, with more emphasis on the last three words. She was looking at Marcia now.

Well if I get to choose I would spend it with you idiot.

"I'm just... not in a relationship right now," she replied.

"Eh of course, the future world champion couldn't have anything bothering her way huh?"

"Learnt it from the best."

Her last response earned a chuckle from the other. Marcia had gathered enough courage to look back at Valentina now. She's really beautiful upclose. A little bit annoying on track but they shared that one trait.

"Would you be interested?" Valentina asked again.

"Sorry, in what?" Marcia was too lost in the ocean blue eyes in front of her.

"Being in a relationship, dating, I mean."

Before Marcia got the time to reply, Valentina stood up and started checking her pants' pocket, trying to find something. Then she pulled out something, kept it in her hand, so Marcia couldn't catch a hint.

She walked over a bit, stopped right in front of the younger rider, then crouched down to make them face to face. Marcia felt her face heating up, her heart started beating faster. What trick is Vale trying to play on her? Seriously.

"Give me your hand and close your eyes," she asked.

Confused, still Marcia followed her instructions. She could feel Vale's excitement buzzing and the warmth of her hand on hers. Valentina had put something on her hand, it was pretty light.

"You can open your eyes."

The first thing she saw was a four-leaf clover on her hand. That was why it felt so light. Cute. Cliche, just like Valentina. The second thing was the giver in question looking at her, waiting for a reaction.

"Oh thank you, where did u even find the time to get this?"

"I have my ways, thought it'll bring me some luck tomorrow but I think you need it more than me."

The Spaniard raised her eyebrow, amused.

"Or if you don't believe in those, take it as a valentine's gift from me. I'd be happy to afford more for someone who is as pretty as you but I came unprepared here," she continued.

Her crush Idol had called her pretty, Marcia could die happily right now. Wait nevermind, there is still a race to win. Another thing she realized was that Valentina did search up for her.

"Well I guess that was all I've got, I have to come back before Uccio gets my ass," she said as she stood up again.

"Wait–" Marcia grabbed Valentina's left hand, diverting the other's attention to her again. "–I just want to say thank you, again, and good luck for the race. It was nice, uh, talking to you."

"You know, you are a really interesting person," Valentina said as she moved her hand from Marcia's grasp, softly touching the younger's cheek with her palm, causing Marcia to raise her head more to look at her. The view was truly a sight to see from Valentina's eyes.

The next thing that got out of Valentina's mouth was unexpected for them both, not like they were not wanting and were practically waiting for it.

"May I kiss you?"

Valentina could see the surprised look from Marcia's eyes under her. She nodded slowly, "yes–, yes please," and that was all she had to say before Marcia stood as she felt Valentina's lips against hers, soft. The kiss deepened as Valentina worked her hands to wrap them around Marcia's waist.

She tasted weird, a mix of bubblegum, almost-expired-canned-beer, and others Marcia couldn't recognize. She tasted like– Valentina. And that felt right.

Their gazes were still on each other as they pulled apart, unsure of the next step to take. They knew that they don't want the night to just end here.

"Are you leaving already?" Marcia asked, hoping that Valentina would change her previous plan.

But how could she leave? When she had a literal goddess looking at her with such eagerness, in her arms.

"No I think I have a better plan for us. Say, my place and then I take you out for the most romantic breakfast ever in the morning?" Valentina suggested, as if it didn't mean they were going to eat a reheated pasta she had in her motorhome's fridge. Well Marcia would say yes to anything from her anyways. She nodded, "Then it's settled," said the Italian with a smile.

They walked towards Valentina's motorhome then, hand in hand. And as they headed to sleep, Marcia put the four-leaf clover on the bedstand beside her. Valentina noticed, "I think I have used all my life's luck already."

Marcia just grinned at her, "Well I can share mine with you, if you really worry about it." She laid on the bed as the older held her closer.

"The clover works then, I know you would believe me."

More like Marcia would believe in anything Valentina say, which probably can be applied for the opposite too.

"This might be the best Valentine's I've ever experienced, thank you Vale," Marcia said but she heard no response. Then she noticed that Valentina had drifted off to sleep. She's even more beautiful like this, Marcia planted a kiss on the other's forehead and pulled the blanket to cover them up nicely. Tonight is perfect.

[vii0so]

[BSD 121.5] Theory/Analysis

So much to think about, so much to say. Everything in this long post will be as farfetched as it gets, you have been warned, and as always: Spoilers ahead.

...

Well...I didn't even get to write most of the stuff I wanted because I was busy and have ran out of time, so this is just: Ame-no-Gozen's realm (barely) and dot points of what I wanted to talk about...enjoy.

Topics:

Ame-no-Gozen's Realm

My dot points

A few things from my draft post

A few things I would have loved to talk about

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Disclaimer:

I had to research a lot of different and technical topics for this post. I only researched enough for me to try and understand, I'm in no way an expert on maths or science, so expect inaccuracies.

Note: Even though I didn't get to talk much of what I researched, I really did research a ton (even more than for my assignments due recently) so I hope it'll still be relevant later.

─────────────✧

█▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒

Ame-no-Gozen's Realm

Well, let's start this post off with "The realm of Ame-no-Gozen". It's the first time we're seeing the area in its true form.

At first, I thought "oh cool, a time paradox" then I thought "but what type?". This led me to reading about time paradoxes trying to find one that matched the situation.

Illusory time "-time might itself be a sort of illusion." "-the block time view, in which time is just another dimension like space, with all events at all times being fixed within this four-dimensional "block"." Excerpt from: Wikipedia (Temporal paradox - Illusory time)

"Eternalism" (a philosophy of time) is sometimes referred to as "block time" and is described as a four-dimensional block where the past, present and future are equally real and exist simultaneously.

Sound familiar?

Yep, it's a match!

Now, "Orthogonally", what is that?

In art, the perspective (imaginary) lines pointing to the vanishing point are referred to as "orthogonal lines"

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I thought of writing about how this is a story and therefore everything is already set in stone - existing at the same time - in the same world

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My dot points

These were typed up straight after reading the chapter when it released. I really wish I could elaborate but I'm out of time (the new chapter is releasing in less than an hour).

Some are applicable after my research and some can be slightly altered. There's also more than these that I wanted to talk about and even had a draft post with more info but none had a concrete end to the sections so I'm only showing the one topic.

Dazai knows the past and future

The og dazai (mentioned in beast novel) is THAT Dazai (hallucination Dazai) not BSD Dazai

BEAST Dazai knew the future that would pass God Dazai (switched "hallucination" Dazai to "god" Dazai for me to keep track easier) knows all - Lain exists everywhere

Akutagawa cares awww

Atshushi still calls him Dazai even though he "found out" who he was. So it's Dazai huh...? i have to read previous chaps again

It IS the book but also NOT the book. It's Dazai but also NOT Dazai. It's a version of Dazai that is the book or at least PART of the book. So much to theorise and analyse

It really is referring the LNs! loosing friends SB, Atsushi breakdown B, Dazai knows all B. (B - Beast)

Dazai looks dead...everyone dies in the future or he knows everything and is just normal level Dazai broken

Let's go, Dazai book theory is possible!!! (in a way)

He wears ADA clothes, so is he future Dazai and this is some weird paradox or is it a different Dazai all together

Dazai getting Akutagawa and Atsushi makes sense if he knew the future also beast Dazai leaving them with the knowledge -

Akutagawa remembered sushi after seeing him "die". maybe it's rashoumon's response to the possible death of the tiger??? shock waking him up...idk

(bro i forgot he even forgot him)

sigma's "how did i know that" and sushi apparently being the one with the info lies! God!Dazai is providing them with the info! since they are connected with the book, his knowledge gets passed to them in a way...maybe... maybe

maybe god!dazai can't express himself well because he lost everyone or god!dazai has no emotions (not necessarily but as placement) as he is the book and he lived through the versions of himself. meaning all dazais are connected.

next chap - atsushi uses his claws to shatter the divine beings core

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Random stuff from my draft post:

Things in [ ] are stuff I've typed now as additional info. Anything else was typed I while ago and is copy and pasted from my draft post.

-✧-

So, Dazai is the book...

Yeah, yeah, I know this theory has been around for quite some time but back then we didn't have enough facts. Plus, I don't mean he is the book...more like a part of the book. It's brain? Consciousness?.

Anyway, this chapter finally sold me on it.

Now, as I mentioned in my last long post [BSD 121] we have to think of Atsushi as electricity, the book as a factory and Hallucination Dazai as a backup power generator:

Atsushi and his emotions - the electricity

"Hallucination" Dazai - the backup power generator

The "book" - the factory

[ Then I was going to talk about the example again and tweak it to fit the current situation. ]

More proof that Atsushi's feelings are what dictate the world:

[ Always love having more proof of this. It's obvious but the more we get told "yes this is how it works" the better. There can never be too much confirmation. ]

Dazai and "Dazai"

"Dazai" wears the same clothes as Dazai does in the Armed Detective Agency. This could mean many things but here are two options:

"Dazai" is Dazai from the future. OR

"Dazai"

[ "Dazai" in this case is hallucination Dazai. ]

[ This section was going to be huge...but now it's the smallest. ]

[The following was a random thought I had and wrote. I wasn't planning on elaborating on it. ]

I could be crazy and say that two negatives equal a positive and that Dazai trying to die is happening at the same time as another Dazai, therefore cancelling it out and having him live instead...but that wouldn't be realistic nor do I believe it.

[ In another post, I talked about how Atsushi was always in the present. I thought I could reference it again and elaborate with this new knowledge but never typed much other than the excerpt: ]

The bookmark would be the only way to progress in a story. The only thing telling you where the 'present' is. Time is divided in three: Past -> Present -> Future Q. Where is Atsushi? A. The present No matter wether he could time travel, or we read chapter 1 again, he will always be experiencing it 'currently'/in 'present time'. - Excerpt from my long post: [BSD 119] Theory/Analysis "The Bookmark" and Akutagawa.

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Yep...that was all.

I loved chapter 121.5 a lot. I wanted to talk about so many things.

A few things I would have loved to talk about more:

Like how the memories beast Dazai mentions having are probably Hallucination Dazai's and not BSD Dazai's (or maybe both...or all AUs). So the "original" Dazai wouldn't be BSD Dazai but hallucination Dazai.

And the fact that Dazai claims he is part of Atsushi by saying "these are things you know" but in actuality it's probably not like that. and Sigma in an older chapter knowing something and questioning how he knew that (i need to find the chapter again but I'm sure it happened). It's Dazai's knowledge!

And the fact he can hear Atsushi's thoughts!!! Like I wanted to dive into this too but again...no time.

I really hope I won't be too busy this month so I can actually complete the post for the new chapter. (...I'm actually super busy but I'll try.)

[wonnieluvr]

okay i have to say i hate emily. shes a bitch and i hate what she did to jamie and gray but i cant deny her character is so fascinating. shes literally like if greed was a person?

dont get me wrong as much as i hate her i understand the whole risk taking thing and wanting those experiences she never got to have BUT saying that she didnt need two boyfriends??? she literally could have experienced all the same things she did with one. thats why shes greed. she just took and took everything. from both of them and rebecca too.

but i just dont understand why she had such an effect on everyone? like avery describes her as pretty but she also said she was nowhere near as beautiful as rebecca. is it because she was sick and everyone felt bad? but like even then i cant imagine emily being a pleasant person to be around so i dont get how she made friends with anyone let alone dated two people 😭 but that could also be because we never met her? like we don't really know anything about her which is also really interesting to me. we know of her but that's only everyone's versions of her.

on a different note i keep thinking about the way jamie and gray had different feelings for her. like i just think that while jamie did love her but he didnt love her, you know? gray did. i assume thats why jamie wasnt as affected by eve, he didnt love emily the same way gray did.

jamie feels that way for avery so while eves appearance surely shocked him it still didnt take over and bring up old feelings (for a completely new person lmao)

(i also do know that he knew about eve before but theres still something different between hearing things and seeing them)

jamie and avery are perfect for each other but thats a different thought too. i'm so glad they never really fought because of eve (thank god, i would have cried)

but back on topic, i doubt emily loved them back. like, i feel like its the sort of situation where she just wanted to feel wanted. she probably mistook that for love and assumed she wanted both of them? but its all she ever had growing up too? familiarity? like its suggested that her parents were completely focused on her their whole lives and loved her (she was their miracle baby sort of though so i do kinda get that) but also like i wholeheartedly believe everything starts with the parents.

they were such a big influence in her life, they gave her everything, sacrificed everyone and everything for her and kept her happy. this comes back to the greed thing too. they gave her this idea that everything would bend to her will and she would always get what she wanted. (if you can't tell i have strong feelings about the influence parents have and how they raise their children cus it literally dictates someones whole life until they have clarity smh)

i think the whole jumping off the cliff thing too was like her acting out. she reminds me of gray in that way, she was losing control and she needed to do something she wanted to regain it. she knew she couldnt handle it but she couldnt handle not getting what she wanted more. idk if that makes sense but shes like trying to prove to herself and everyone else that she was fine with jamie breaking things off, that she could handle not being wanted and adored regardless of her actions and she was losing control of everything ig? idk i just think its really interesting the way she took things to an extreme because i imagine she was probably trying to do something else, something worse than what she feeling to get it to go away? emotions are so interesting in that way.

like rebecca (in her mind) was turning against her, jamie was leaving her and her parents would have stopped her from going with gray if they had known and at the time that was (hinted at) being what she really wanted to do and they were all telling her no. she took the only thing she had left to control (gray) and was trying to prove she was fine.

i cant put into words how many layers all of these characters have like jlb wrote such a wonderful series and i cant stop thinking about all the characters. i have so many thoughts running through my head and i could write a take on everyone ☹️

[pathologicalreid]

omgggg hey it’s me the odyssey anon i hacked your super awesome mutuals account ahhahahahahahaha moving on

ok so people are saying knowing what the odyssey is is a privilege because they’re under the impression that it’s strictly an english novel and not everybody knows english?? and THIS is coming from the people who are on classics twitter??😭😭 do they know google is free

i’m not really on twitter so i don’t entirely get it but going off of what you’ve said for the sake of an interesting conversation here (which you can choose to engage in or not! i am by no means trying to harass my fav spencer reid writer and i understand not everybody likes to debate for fun and it can come off as aggressive but im actually just a loser and a nerd😁), i still think whether or not you have even heard of the odyssey is inextricably a matter of cultural context informed by your socioeconomic status and location, whether that be in america or abroad. i ALSO acknowledge media literacy and literacy in general are at an appalling all time low. it is generational and socially reinforced so kids just aren’t socialized to pay attention in school or be interested in what they learn which sucks and is so hard to watch like these kids are gonna be impossible to have a conversation with one day because the culture and the system are failinggggg them soooo hard

also though a lot of people just don’t engage in media to the level that they’d realize it’s a retelling of or incorporates themes from classic literature, but beyond that, it would require a familiarity with classic literature that is just not ubiquitous!! lots of people who’ve read the book don’t realize that a court of thorns and roses is a retelling of beauty and the beast, and even fewer people know that beauty and the beast is a retelling of eros and psyche. it all depends on how much quality education is available to you. so i guess in that sense it sort of is a privilege, because culturally pervasive or not, even the most bare bones knowledge of classic literature requires an education and the ability to actually engage with your education. but also like i said these kids are just NAWT locked into their schooling at all i dont know what it is in the zeitgeist that encourages the active dismissal of education among students. maybe they’re all just pessimists and disillusioned by the world they’ve been born into so nothing matters to them or maybe im projecting

n e wayzzzzz promise this is NOT mean spirited at all i literally just like talking and think this is super interesting and nobody ever wants to talk with me about this stuff so i am seizing my opportunity but i also know my intense desire to debate is actually a deeply unappealing trait so if you hated this and you want me to deactivate my blog let me know i will show myself out🎀 also jesus i am yapper of the century omfg and watch none of this even be relevant IM SO SORRYYY FOR PUTTING AN ESSAY IN YOUR INBOX

sam odyssey anon nereidprinc3ss this is like a marriage proposal to me i'm not necessarily interested in debating the reach that the odyssey does or does not have i do want to share this because it raises an interesting point surrounding media literacy and literacy in general which is unfortunately one of my favorite topics ever. school-aged kids these days are victims of their environment where they are not only being encouraged to develop critical thinking skills but they are also going online and developing an attention span catered to seven second tiktok videos and depending on having information fed to them as opposed to contributing to their own edification. i elected to entertain this topic as a whole on tumblr as opposed to twitter because i believe twitter is a more vicious platform BUT im digressing!!! from what i've seen thus far it's much less of a socioeconomic issue and more of a location issue but i'm basing that conclusion on my irl social circle and tumblr following/mutuals. i will have to come to terms with the fact that i will likely never have a true answer to this conundrum but c'est la vie.

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

as an ace how do you write romantic attraction

(Post that spawned this ask)

Before we get into this, I'm going to quickly define some terms that people may not know so that this post doesn't read like gibberish to those who aren't familiar with the romantic and sexual spectrums. Also, as I said in the previous post, don't take any of this as some sort of ultimate guide on the topic. Romantic and sexual attraction are complicate beasts with a ton of nuance and I can't get into all of that in a Tumblr post.

A Few Relevant Terms

Alloromantic: an umbrella term for people who regularly experience romantic attraction to other people.

Aromantic spectrum or Arospec: the spectrum of people who identify as something other than alloromantic. People on this spectrum may experience romantic attraction, but it will not come as easily as it does for an alloromantic.

Demiromantic: this is usually defined as "people who do not experience romantic attraction until they have formed a deep emotional connection with someone" but it also sees some use by those who only experience limited romantic attraction or as a general terms for those who fall somewhere on a spectrum between aromantic and alloromantic. That means that this term sees some overlap with "greyromantic" which makes this a great time to remind you to think of these things as broad categories, not scientific labels.

Greyromantic: those who experience romantic attraction with a lesser frequency, or with a lesser intensity, than would be considered average for an alloromantic person.

Aromantic or aro: a person who does not experience romantic attraction

Asexual or ace: a person who does not experience sexual attraction

A Little Info on Me

My experience with attraction will obviously color how I write it. Our last post on this topic discussed sexual attraction and how it applied to me, so let's quickly talk about romantic attraction and how it applies to me so you know where my biases are.

If you think of romantic attraction as a scale with alloromantic at one end, aromantic at the other, and greyromantic/demiromantic in the middle, then I think I fall at the point where it's unclear if a person is alloromantic or demiromantic/greyromantic. When I fall in love, it happens with relative ease, but it's also a pretty rare occurrence. I get crushes at a rate of one every 2 to 3 years which might be rare? Not sure on that one. I've tried to research it before and didn't get a great answer especially since my asexuality complicates all of this.

I also have to actually know the person to get a crush. You can show me some attractive hero saving a thousand children and kittens from a fire while saying the most swoon-worthy things and I'll be impressed, but romantically unmoved because that is a stranger so why would that make me love them? For me, romantic attraction is all about interpersonal connection. If our hunky hero and I have the chemistry of noble gasses then it doesn't matter how amazing he is. I'll take the generic love interest I have chemistry with every day. I don't need that chemistry to be super deep, though. I won't develop romantic feelings in a matter of minutes, but I can develop those feelings in a matter of hours. It's not guaranteed, though. Sometimes it takes months!

I'm not sure if all of that means that I'm demiromantic or greyromantic or if this is just how romantic attraction works when you don't experience sexual attraction. All I can say for sure is that I'm definitely not aro. At most, I'm just somewhere on the spectrum.

It definitely doesn't make my dating life easier. There have been plenty of people I would have loved to fall in love with, but the spark just wasn't there. And the people I have fallen for were not all "winners." That's brings us nicely to the topic of romantic attraction and how to write it.

Writing Romantic Attraction

Romantic attraction is weird. I often refer to it as friendship with bonus features because the feelings are basically the same, they're just inexplicably stronger for some reason I don't really understand. If you ask me what the difference between my the love I feel for my partner and the love I feel for my best friends I just kind of shrug and go, "I don't know" because I love them all with similar depth. I want them all to be happy and be in my life long term. I'm happy to sacrifice for all of them, too. I've spent a week in the hospital when my partner was there and have done similar sacrificing for close friends, but I'm not in love with my close friends. Only my partner gets those inexplicably different feelings.

When I was reading up on the aromantic spectrum, I discovered that a common complaint is that it's hard to define romantic attraction. Those of us who experience romantic attraction all seem to describe it the way I did above and that's frustrating for those who don't experience it to wrap their heads around. It can also make it tricky to write because there really is no such thing as "there's no platonic explanation for that."

There is always a platonic explanation for things. Things like knowing looks, deep bonds, life-long commitments, and self-sacrifice aren't limited to romance. What makes them romantic is the way the people involved feel about each other. Nothing more, nothing less. These things also aren't lesser if they're platonic. Both approaches to a relationship work. It's like how going to dinner or the movies can be a date or a friendly outing. The only difference is how the parties involved define the outing!

This means that there's no special sauce when it comes to writing romantic relationships vs other types of close relationships. They can look identical on paper even if they include things like kissing or sex! Because of this, I write romance by focusing on creating a strong connection between the characters so that the audience loves their relationship. Then, at some point, I add explicitly acknowledged romantic feelings to the mix and switch the relationship from platonic to romantic. Because of the way my sexuality works, I also don't tend to include any sexual elements until the characters are already in love.

This means that most of my romances don't necessarily need to be romances to work. I just find romance fun so I like to include it. I usually have lots of non-romantic life-long relationships in the mix, too. For example, one of my favorite relationships is a three-way relationship between a romantic couple and their aroaco life-partner of sorts. The three relationship dynamics are:

Husbands (character A and B)

Lab partners for life (character A and C)

Rivals for life (character B and C)

I could have just made this a poly romance, but it didn't fit the aroace character to want that, so we get a mix of romantic and platonic relationships of equal strength as these three all have life-long commitments to each other. The only major difference is the actives the various relationships include. For example, the husbands have a sexual relationship while aroace dude is not interested. Since I brought it up, I'll note that sex is obviously not required for romance. Romance can be sexless and sex can be romance-less.

It's also worth remembering that no one can control when romantic attraction happens. You can only control how you react to it. Because of this it's important to not put romantic attraction on a pedestal. It's a neutral thing that says nothing about a person's worth or a relationship's strength. It's just a random bonus feature you occasionally unlock no matter how much you do or don't want to.

All of this is why it's so common for shipping to run rampant in fandoms where the main characters have a close platonic relationship or even just a charged rivalry. While that shipping can be a result of something like queerbaiting trying to get the fans to ship the characters, it can also happen without any baiting being involved! Sometimes these things are just a case of certain audience members seeing the characters in romantic light while the writers don't because of all the things that we discussed above.

Romance is basically an explicable variant of friendship or even rivalry and it just kind of happens without anyone being able to control when it strikes. This means nothing on the outside looking in can tell you how a person feels with 100% certainty. I've personally been mistaken for a lesbian while out with my best friend so it's not like this is limited to fiction. People just sometimes see romance where only platonic feeling exist and platonic feelings where there's actually romance. That's why my other post included a statement revealing that I don't care if my partner is in love with me so long as they love me and are committed to our relationship. Romantic love is ephemeral and weird and really doesn't look that different from a good friendship so while I may need to feel it to want a romantic relationship, I'm cool if my partner doesn't have those requirements.

What all of this means is that, if you want to write a romance I'd love, then don't worry about the romance. Worry about giving the characters a beautiful relationship, then tell me it's romantic and I'll happily play along. Tell me it's platonic and I'm also happy to play along. In my own writing, I focus on making the characters first few interactions as memorable and interesting as possible so that the audience is invested no matter where the relationship goes.

[blckbarbiedoll]

Ghost Of You (M.B./R.J.)-Chapter 2.13

Money, Money, Money

2023-Chicago, Illinois

It was currently seven weeks to opening, and the place still looked like shit. Walls were still being knocked down, equipment was still being delivered, and the whole building smelt like sawdust.

Angie walked into the office and smiled softly at Sugar. "Hey." She spoke loudly over the power tools being used on the other side of the wall.

"Hey. You doing okay?"

"Yeah. I'm good."

"If you need help with planning the funeral or anything-"

"Oh, no, it's taken care of. He was cremated yesterday."

"Angie-"

"How we doing with everything?" She changed the topic.

"Umm....we're seven weeks out now. Our DBA just got rejected, fire suppression hasn't shown up yet, we have to schedule a second deep clean because our building's now considered a biohazard, and we only have a couple walls left standing."

"Why'd we get rejected?"

"Well, because we filed for a new name."

"So?"

"Apparently we never filed for a first name. Mikey wasn't operating correctly because he was never doing business as. So now, we have to file to do business as The Bear, and pay a fine for not doing business as The Beef originally. Because according to the IRS, we're assholes."

"Yeah, well, maybe we are."

Sugar placed her hand over her stomach and groaned softly. "Fuck."

"You okay?"

"Yeah."

"How's my niece?"

"We don't know if it's a girl."

"I can feel it."

"Whatever."

"Did you tell your brother?"

"No." She shook her head. "You're the only one I've told. Besides Pete, obviously."

"You can't keep it a secret forever, Nat."

"I know. And I'm not. But I am still super terrified about this. I'm happy, of course. But terrified." She sighed. "Somehow it feels more in my control to decide when and who knows that I'm pregnant."

The wall next to them slowly dropped before thudding onto the floor.

"We're down another wall." Angie stated.

"Ya think?"

"Congratulations!" Neil clapped.

"I fucking knew it!" Richie grinned.

Natalie groaned and placed her hand over her face. "Oh my god."

Angie walked past the fallen wall and over to her brother in law. "Fire suppressions coming today?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. I've got some shit to sort out with my dad. I'll be back before the test."

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah. Just stuff with the house. I gotta sell it."

"Okay. Let me know if you need anything."

"I will. Thanks, Bear."

🤍

"Why'd you pick me up early again?"

Angie looked over at her daughter in the front seat ."Because, we're going through Grandpa's stuff. Don't you wanna see where I grew up?"

"I thought you lived with Dad."

"I did eventually."

"This neighborhood is nice."

"Yeah, it is." Angie parked the car in front of the house and sighed before they got out. "I would've loved for you to grow up here."

After pulling out the key, she unlocked the door and they walked into the house. It was dark, and quiet, and empty. The quiet hum of the refrigerator and soft footsteps were the only sounds in the home.

"This is a big house."

"It's not that big. Uncle J's is bigger."

"It's bigger than where we live."

"True." She turned on the lights and looked around the living room. "You wanna go see my room?"

"Yeah."

Angie led Sophia up the stairs and down the hallway. "I bet you he turned it into a home gym." She said as she opened the door.

As they entered the room, Angie felt reminiscent looking at the familiar space.

"It doesn't look like a gym." Sophia stated.

"No. No, it doesn't."

They walked further in and scanned the decor.

Sophia's fingers gently grazed a poster on the wall. "Who's this?"

Angie chuckled softly. "That's Justin Timberlake."

"From Trolls?"

She sighed and shook her head. "Thanks for making me feel old."

"Can I look around here?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna go sort out the attic."

🤍

'Knock, knock'

Angie got up from the kitchen table and went to open the front door for Richie and Eva.

"Hi, Aunt Angie." The girl smiled.

"Hi, baby." Angie hugged her. "How are you?"

"Good. Mommy said hi."

"Thank you, honey. I'll give Mommy a call. Soph's upstairs if you wanna go play with her."

She grinned and hugged her dad before running up the stairs. "Bye, Daddy!"

"Bye, baby." Richie waved as the girl disappeared up the stairs. "Thanks for inviting her over."

"Yeah, of course. I thought Soph might want company while I clean out the attic.”

"You know, this doesn't look like cleaning out the attic."

Angie rolled her eyes. "I was taking a well deserved break."

"Yeah? Well, where to next?"

"Bedroom. Wanna come?"

"Angie." He teased as he followed her. "You're my best friend's wife. That would be wrong."

"Shut the fuck up." She chuckled, walking into her father's room. She sat on the bed and took in the environment for a moment before going through the nightstand.

"So, we failed the fire suppression test."

"What? I missed it?"

"It's fine."

"It's not fine, Richie. It's just another thing added to the pile of shit that is my life."

"Hey, things may be fucked, but we know what we're doing."

"Do we?" She pulled out a stack of paper from the nightstand and began to look over them.

"Some of us. The point is, we got this. This isn't gonna fuck us over."

She sighed and set the papers down before turning to him. "All this stuff with my dad is giving me deja vu."

"You alright?"

"Yeah. I just....do you ever have those moments where you just really fucking miss him?"

"Everyday."

"I'm so tired of missing him." Angie sighed. She pulled her buzzing phone from her pocket and groaned as she stood up. "I swear to god, I'm throwing this thing out." She said as she walked out to take the call.

Richie looked around the room as his eyes settled on an old photo of Angie. It was her and Natalie’s high school graduation. They were all smiles as they held up their diplomas. Richie smiled at the picture and let out a soft chuckle.

A few minutes later, she came back into the room and shut the door behind her.

"What's up?"

Angie leaned against the door and crossed her arms. "What would you do if you had a hundred and fifty grand?"

"Give it to the poor."

"For real?"

"No, I'd get a fucking house, a car. Move somewhere nice like Evanston."

"But would you tell anyone?"

"I dunno. Maybe. Maybe not."

"Would you tell Carmy?"

"Fuck no." He scoffed and crossed his arms. "I love the guy, but he's a fucking baby."

"Even if it could help?"

He sighed and walked closer to her. "Angie, what's going on?"

She hesitated to speak, avoiding his gaze. "My dad's life insurance policy. It's a hundred and fifty thousand dollars."

Richie sighed and ran his hand over his face. "Shit."

"I should tell him, right? I mean, it'd be the right thing to do."

"No."

"No?"

"Look, Cicero's throwing cash at us like we're a bank right now. Money ain't the issue right now. It's time."

"But it could help get us outta that debt."

"I agree. But Ange, you gotta think. Sure, you could tell Carmy, and let him pool all your money into this. But then you'll be right back where you started. Broke, and still in debt."

She huffed and rested her head in her hands for a moment. "Richie, what do I do?"

He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked down into her dark brown eyes. "You don't tell a soul. You hear me?"

"But I don't wanna lose that place. I can't lose that place." She whispered. "I can't lose Mikey."

"Angie, Mikey would want you and Sophia to be taken care of first."

"I feel like a bad person."

"You're not a bad person. You're a widowed single mother just tryna survive."

"Yeah." She nodded with a sigh.

"Good. Now, what's the first thing you're gonna buy?"

"I dunno. I kinda need a new car."

Richie chuckled and hugged her gently. "Hell yeah you do. I see that piece of shit you drive."

"She's loyal."

"She's twenty years old."

"True.” She huffed. “I'm making the right choice, not telling him?"

"Yeah. If things get worse, we'll figure it out. But we're handling it right now."

"Yeah. Okay." Angie nodded and sighed before rested her head on his shoulder. "You wanna know something?"

"Hm?"

"When I'm around you, I don't miss him so much."

Richie's heart fluttered inside his chest as her words settled in his brain. He smiled softly and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Angie."

🤍

It was around nine when Angie finally got a minute to herself. She was lying in bed, scrolling through some used car websites.

She took a puff of her cigarette as she browsed the cars. "I'm not paying fifteen grand for a shit box."

"Mom?" The door opened.

"Hold on, babe." Angie leaned over to her nightstand and put the cigarette out in the ashtray. "What's up?"

The girl began to walk over and climbed into the bed next to her mother. "Do you miss being married?"

"Umm...sometimes. Why?"

"You could get a boyfriend."

"What?"

"So you won't be lonely."

"I'm not lonely, baby. I have you, and Uncle Richie, and Auntie Sugar, and everyone else.”

“Promise you’re not lonely?”

“I promise, baby.” Angie chuckled and kissed Sophia's cheek. "Promise."

taglist: @c-nstantine

[that-wizard-oki]

hi oki! youre kind of the only ki employee who people can talk freely to and access easily, so

forgive the topic of this ask - i havr absolutely zero ill intentions and do not wish for it to come off as an attack/something of the sort

but what's up with pirate101's updates? like honestly? the last one was really the cherry on top and people are actively disliking it, it feels incredibly lousy (for a lack of a better word) to constantly reuse areas and characters from wizard101.

and casting aside the queen? after such a cliffhanger and literally the whole story of the game being getting to el dorado in a race against the armada? that's borderline crazy

and then putting in such a cliche and overused theme of the villain wanting to learn magic and take over the spiral.... please, guys

the game has SUCH AN AMAZING story, right up until the end of valencia pt 2

it truly is captivating, with so many interesting characters. it is a shame the game is in its current state.

i am sure i speak for 99% of the pirate players left - if KI has no actual intention of investing time and effort (which i am NOT saying is easy AT ALL! and i respect the whole process very much) into the game, let it 'die' with its dignity instead of making terrible updates with no lvl increase, no real incentives and making monkeys out of the players.

i really hope you, at least, understand and would love to hear your opinion on this (big) issue, if that would not endager your position in any way.

I think I've had this ask sitting in my inbox for quite sometime now, and I believe there's been some update to Pirate's main story since I received this, but I wanted to answer as best I think I can:

I completely understand where you're coming from, I really do. Y'all know my feelings on Morganthe and how fumbled I feel her character was, as well as other things surrounding her and several other characters. and while I'm not as familiar with. I understand the disappointment, and honestly maybe even feelings of betrayal that can come when a story (at large, or per character) does not pan out the way it seemed it was going to. And I mean that truly, especially for those of us who really resonate so much with creative media. On a deep level, I Get It, and so I want to validate.

I don't know exactly the direction Pirate's narrative is going, but I have learned a few things recently, and... I would not write it off just yet. Even if it is not exactly what you had in mind, I think there will be at least pieces of the upcoming story/gameplay that players find enjoyable. I don't want to say too much, but I am personally intrigued by a few things I've heard about coming down the pipe...

Regardless of what the future holds for Pirate's narrative (or wizard's for that matter), YOU get to choose how to interact with it. I don't mean choosing to play the game or not- I mean that you get to choose what it important to you and how you want to interact with the narrative. The writers, as cool as they are, are not the word of god. Something I had to really learn was that, canon is not the end all be all. It's not the ultimatum of right/wrong for a story, a character, etc.

I'll use myself as an example... I won't/can't share details, but I don't think it takes a rocket scientist for any of you to guess that I've at the very least perhaps mentioned the idea of bringing Morganthe back for a redemption arc in some way. And this is not at all me saying that is never going to happen, it very well could- but honestly... the idea of trying to convince others who may just not be as interested as I am, is not how I want to constantly spend my time here or anywhere. There's specific, personal reasons why her character/story resonated with me so much. But at the end of the day, the writers are going to write what they feel is best and are, most importantly, VERY excited about. I could never say to any of our writers that they're going about something completely wrong- like, i'm not a fan of all the space stuff in wiz during arc 3/4. But heck who am I to say "dont do that" because it doesn't fit my personal enjoyment of strictly fantasy based stuff? In the same way, if bringing Morganthe back for a redemption arc is not what they're interested in, that's fine. I know in my brain how I would bring her back, and I know there's people who'd love to see that. And Frankly, rather than stooping in disappointment about that not being reality/canon, i'd rather imagine and create and discuss about the ways it COULD happen with people who are just as interested and passionate. And that's perhaps just as satisfying as it being canon. It's ok to feel disappointed by canon. But canon, honestly, does not matter at the end of the day. What the writers connect with is not inherently better (or worse) of what you connect with. What matters is what you connect with, and if what you enjoy and love the most is stuff Valencia part 2 and under, lean into that love and joy, and maybe keep an open mind for whats to come.

TLDR- Super valid to feel sad/disappointed/etc about the direction a game narrative plays out, esp one we may feel very in touch with and seen by like myself. But please don't let that take away from what you really loved and connected with in said narrative, even if it has changed or goes a different direct than expected.

Pirate will die with the dignity that you personally remember it with. So will Wizard. I'm going to remeber it with the same love and fondness it gave to me with when I needed it. I encourage you to do the same.

[try-set-me-on-fire]

Tagged by @jeeyuns @devirnis and @rewritetheending for fuck it Friday! Here's a soft drable prompt (sweater weather) that I never posted because it's like. Almost identical to the mowing the lawn one. Oh well! Fuck it! I'll add it to the collection!

Buck is laying half on the bed, knees bent so his feet rest on the floor, head turned to watch Eddie get dressed. Eddie, a surprisingly indulgent man, usually lets him have the first shower (when they're not sharing) with only a token complaint and a smile so soft it makes Buck's heart stutter. Eventually Eddie had admitted it was a ploy to stay in bed a few minutes longer, but Buck can hardly begrudge him that when going first is a ploy for this; catching glimpses of newly familiar body parts as as Eddie puts on his boxers, watching the tense of muscles as he slides into his shirt, smiling at the little hop he does as he pulls up his jeans. Buck never liked writing essays but he thinks it would be easy if the topic was Eddie's confident fingers tucking in his shirt and doing up the button fly. He wonders how he could ever explain how handsome he finds the mundane movements of Eddie putting on an old sweatshirt, arms stretching, hands tugging, torso bending, no thought spared to the fluffy mess his hair will become once it's been dragged through the soft inside of the fabric. Eddie catches his eye as he smooths a hand over the faded and crackly Rangers logo.  "Hey," he says, a question in there, a laugh hidden behind it.  "Hi," Buck says. "I'm kind of obsessed with you.  The laugh stops hiding and floats up into the room. Eddie walks to the bed, puts his knees on either side of Buck's thighs, and flops down on top of him. Buck wraps his arms around him and smiles up at the ceiling, smiles into his hair, smiles against his shoulder. Eddie kisses his neck, nothing heated, just resting his lips against Buck’s pulse for a moment. “What about me, specifically?” He comes up to prop his chin on his elbow and look down at Buck as he asks, smiling again, that too soft one. Buck touches his lips with his fingertips. “Uh- that you’re real?” Buck smiles as Eddie laughs, and tries again. “I mean, like… you’re alive and you put on sweatshirts.”  Eddie tips forward again to laugh into Buck’s collar bone. “Hm, yeah? Good to know the bar is pretty low.”  “I mean-“ Buck laughs, too, sliding his hands up and down Eddie’s sides. “I just like the way you exist. I like that you exist.” He taps a little rhythm over Eddie’s ribs. “You… I like that we’re both alive around each other. Not like- I mean sort of in a I’m glad our near death experiences never actually killed us way, but like… I just mean I like being around you, when everything is normal. I like putting on clothes and you put on clothes and… and then we’ll go eat breakfast and do whatever we’re going to do today.” He bumps his head into the top of Eddie’s still resting on his chest. “Does that make sense at all?” Eddie pulls his head up to look at Buck, and the soft smile isn’t there but is hiding right under the surface. He kisses Buck, warm and gentle. “I know what you mean,” he says, quiet, a hand tracing over the shoulder seam of Buck’s red sweater. “I like… that you’re alive and put on clothes, too. And that you do it here, with me.” Buck grins, big and bright and understood, and Eddie kisses him again. “Yeah. You and me.” “You and me,” he agrees, kissing Buck’s forehead before sitting up and then standing. He holds out a hand. “Come on. We’ve got breakfast to eat and whatever to do.” Buck takes his hand and they move into their day. 

Tagging @forthewolves @homerforsure @burins @wildlife4life @shitouttabuck @shortsighted-owl

[saphiraslunala]

Pokemon Reborn Screenshot Let's Play - Prologue

Black smog and acidic water garnish crumbling structures along the city skyline. Alleys fester with disaster and crime amidst the metropolis, a blemish over the once-vibrant region. Reborn City is ready for a hero.

So this is Pokemon Reborn. I have the biggest love-hate relationship with this game.

Reborn is a Pokemon fangame that's drastically larger in scope from the official games- we're talking all Pokemon up to gen 7, 18 gyms for every type, several sidequests, Mega Evolution and Z-moves- you name it, the game has it.

Basically, the game is a dream for fans who just adore Pokemon and want a larger scope, more difficult game. It's fun to replay because Pokemon is very important to me and I like to play long-term fangames that try to expand on the premise.

So where does the "hate" part come in? Well. The story leaves a lot to be desired. This is a "mature" fangame that wants to take on heavier topics with... mixed results. This is probably gonna be the focal point of this let's play.

Since I've been hyperfixating on this game again, I've been rambling about it to my friends, and they mentioned wanting to know the story, but not actually wanting to play the game, whether because of the time commitment, not being into competitive, etc.

And I could've just sent them a let's play... but I figured, why not make my own let's play for fun? Especially since I plan on doing a 100% run, which would allow me to show several nooks and crannies this game has to offer.

This is sort of an excuse for me to show off all of my thoughts about this game, good and bad. Don't go into this expecting a fully positive or negative perspective from me. You probably won't care for this LP if you are a diehard fan of this game (or a dev. I'm so sorry).

Some Disclaimers:

Major CWs for this game include death, suicide, animal abuse/death, mentions of CSA, child abuse, toxic relationships, and gore. The game does not handle these topics with respect most of the time, particularly in regards to abuse.

There are other triggering topics, but they are limited to a smaller part of the game, and are typically handled well. Those warnings will be added to individual posts.

This is actually my third proper playthrough of Reborn since it's been finished, and my first time trying out the 19.5 update. So most of this is familiar territory for me.

I will be using some mods and passwords. Reborn includes several passwords that affect the difficulty of the game. I will be using some QOL passwords for overworld navigation, but nothing that affects the actual battles, which I'll be keeping vanilla. The passwords I have used are:

-EasyHms, FieldApp, FreeExpAll, FreeFinder, FreeRemotePc, HardCap, MintyFresh (adds mints at the start), MoneyBags, NoPoisonDam, Pinata, PowerPack (EV training items), UnrealTime, WeatherMod

I'm also using some mods from the SWM modular modpack, which again, are mostly cosmetic or overworld changes. The only ones I'm using are:

-Item Radar, Glamazon Shop, Learn Egg Moves, No TMX Animations, Predict Relationship Values, Reusable Premier Balls, Type Battle Icons, and Type Announcer

-I will be going for the Lin route. If I get enough interest, I might go and do the Anna route as well via save file manipulation.

-This is mostly meant for me and my followers, but if this somehow breaks containment, I do not condone sending any sort of harassment to the devs over this game. The vibe here is gonna be more like a book club than anything.

-Even as this is a 100% run, I won't show all my catches or every bit of dialogue for the sake of making things concise.

-This is my first time trying a let's play. Please bear with me as I try to figure this out- I'm bound to make mistakes as I go!

With that, let's begin!

[subway-boss-jericho]

(Hammer anon) 

Emmet keeps having to remove them from the premises so their webs and nests don't block the airways, but Ingo keeps letting them back in when Emmet isn't looking

God forbid woman do anything /j 

This feels like the. Eating chess pieces meme except with bugs and air vents. It is funny thinking about him getting like. The equivalent of asthma because he likes bugs. 

Also. Is this why emmet has so many bugs. They are simply a little too silly to notice a gods blessing. 

Oh god the joltik infestation hc would be So Funny here 

On another note, and sort of corresponding to Ingo’s Very Long Bath, can ingo get functionally sick? Like rusty or have a… lichen issue (almost like mold- can they break down metal?) and in turn, if this could happen could emmet become ill? 

…I’m having the amusing thought of ingo having a mild pollen allergy. Goodbye eardrums. 

I imagine that, being underwater, ingo might gain a fair bit of plant growth going on. Or perhaps serve as a home for a few Pokémon. He probably wouldn’t quite be aware of it though… (getting off topic- I’ll get back to all that) 

their whole story is like this unfortunately and I uhhmmm,,,,,,, i havent found a way to, fix that. so I'm working on that part.

Casting eternal torment on them!!!

I’ve recently been of the mind that love with no where to go or no outlet is something on the lines of what grief is. While Emmet and Ingo Do have a place for that to go, actually being able to share it is a little more difficult now. Neither are dead (in a way that Truly matters, anyway) I can’t help but think they still might grieve a little. For what once was, maybe. Just for that familiarity. 

There is something quite terrible about realizing you will never be able to hug someone again! 

But like! They totally can and are showing the other that they care. Sometimes the most healing thing is allowing yourself to be sad with another person, knowing that they will Be There. 

[sorry been having a rough week and this hit me harder than expected] 

maybe I should push aside how I think it's "supposed" to look in order to actually mess around with how it Really looks in my head.

Sometimes it’s like that! It’s fun to doodle out some designs and such even if you know you won’t use ‘em. At least then you can figure out what you don’t want! 

the little gliscor plush/toy

Do you think that some of the children (or maybe thankful adults!) would carve out little pokeshi dolls of all the Pokémon Ingo’s do Emmet defeat as like. Trophies or something? 

(The reason gliscor is there is uh. Because I love gliscor. Would be funky to have a few random pokemon that just. Help out sometimes. Maybe the attacking ‘mon is close to a den and maternal instinct is Very Strong. 

I just think it’s kinda amusing for ingo to be fighting and cheer as a flock of murkrow to scratch at the eyes of the pokemon he’s fighting. Only to be swarmed himself a moment later) 

if AUs are songs then your asks are like the Audio Visualizers that play in my brain whenever I think about them. Does that comparison make any sense?

Yes! Ooo that is a fun comparison! It’s always lovely to bounce ideas around with people! (You have reminded me of crabulon’s theme at 4:00 skndnwjs)

Hoohg well I guess when I said it would take me longer to answer these because of school starting I was Not Kidding. Time sure does continue to pass. Hello again though!! I did not forget!! It's just taking me a while because of the energy it takes to give thoughtful answers <3 Hi!! missed you!!

This feels like the. Eating chess pieces meme except with bugs and air vents. It is funny thinking about him getting like. The equivalent of asthma because he likes bugs. 

God forbid women do anything!! I want you to know I want to draw that meme so fucking badly you're SO right. At my next available opportunity I'm doing that. And yeah, it's exactly like that. If the airways are blocked up or they start setting up too many strings in his lung-equivalent then he kind of just, coughs. Not loudly but, he gets very twitchy. He can't hold perfectly still, it tickles/itches/it's stuffy. It would take way more than they're capable of producing to actually inhibit or harm him in any way, which is why he keeps letting them back in, but Emmet knows it will build up if he lets it which is why he keeps kicking them back out. Infinite cycle.

(Edit, I did it the next day while still editing this response together)

The rest of the patented Jericho Ramble™ is below!

Also. Is this why emmet has so many bugs. They are simply a little too silly to notice a gods blessing. 

Correct, they are SO silly. Emmet does enjoy the company but he will never admit to it because at this point they're Doing A Bit and the first one to fold is the loser. This is also how Emmet eventually ends up with a shiny silcoon.

Oh god the joltik infestation hc would be So Funny here 

Yes!! Anything with joltik doesn't happen until after Ingo is recovered from the ocean and he heals a bit more from that whole experience, but I imagine they become quite the (beloved) nuisance to Emmet. Them feeding on electricity makes them a bit of a risk after his initial recovery, but after he gets back to a stable level then I imagine they bring both of them a lot of joy.

can ingo get functionally sick? Like rusty or have a… lichen issue [...] and in turn, if this could happen could emmet become ill? 

It would be extremely difficult to effect Ingo to the degree that would mimic physical sickness. I think there's a level where it's possible, but it's extremely unlikely. (That being said, after spending *checks notes* 300 years on the ocean floor, he has a lot of fucking things wrong with him. So yes he's very 'sick' when they get him out of the ocean initially. but OUTSIDE OF THAT it's unlikely!) However- Emmet can still get sick. It's extremely, extremely unlikely, but he can get sick like anyone else.

Emmet's health isn't directly tied to Ingo's current state- It's more like, Emmet cannot die so long as Ingo is alive. Any injuries or hypothetical illnesses that Ingo has are individual to him, and same with Emmet.

I imagine that, being underwater, ingo might gain a fair bit of plant growth going on. Or perhaps serve as a home for a few Pokémon.

Yes! In fact, he becomes a bit of an ecosystem in of himself, much like a coral shelf. Lots of pokemon and plants make him their home in the time he spends underwater- He's not aware of most of the pokemon, you're right, and the plants get cleaned off- But there is one pokemon that stays with him even after he leaves the ocean. A Dhelmise that has claimed him, and is actually with him for half or more of the time that he spends underwater. There's a boundary between the different sections of him, so parts like the main decks and halls remain essentially completely dry, but his vents lead directly from the outside to his lungs (with filters) so those get, very flooded. I don't know what types of pokemon would make him a home, but Lumineon and Finneon + Chinchou and Lanturn come to mind because they glow and it would be very dark inside his hull since the light from outside wouldn't reach. Aforementioned singular Dhelmise, but said Dhelmise is extremely territorial, so I imagine his internal ecosystem is actually quite peaceful and well-protected from major predators all things considered. I can elaborate more on that whole situation another time :> He's a giant fish bowl (Edit: Pokedex says that Lumineon and Lanturn are in fierce competition for food. I find this extremely funny)

Casting eternal torment on them!!!

Noooo!! No! It's only eternal torment until I figure out how it fix it!! I'm working on it!!! They'll be fine!!! Eventually!!!! I'll figure it out!!!! I'm figuring it out!!!! /lh (Jokes aside, I do have a good plot resolution that I am currently workshopping :] I'm really happy with it so far)

I’ve recently been of the mind that love with no where to go or no outlet is something on the lines of what grief is.

Ah fuck. I think you may have diagnosed me with this one. This uhhh,,, this might be the best way I've heard to summarize just about everything I write. I think this is a good way to describe the main theme I write about. which,.......... oof. that hits, DIFFERENT, hearing it from someone else. I am being perceived (wheeze)

Love with no where to go is just like grieving. It doesn't hurt very much when you have somewhere to put it, or you don't have any love to give away. But when you have excess, and all the doors are closed? where can that love go, when you have no where to put it? it builds in your chest with a torturous pressure, building and building, with no outlet. it hurts. its heavy. but you just keep carrying it, searching desperately to find someone who will accept it.

[sorry been having a rough week and this hit me harder than expected]

Yeah I mean, you just vibe checked me with the force of an uppercut to the chin so, I don't think I'm going to be able to think the same way after this one. 🤝 We are experiencing

In all seriousness, I hope you're okay. If anything I make bothers or upsets you, do please take a step back and take care of yourself. I may write angst but I want the people I know to be happy and healthy and A-OK. Especially if you're having a hard time- Never feel obligated to respond to anything if you're not up to it 👍 I've got all the time in the world, and anything you send me will always be cherished and treasured, no matter how small it is or how long it takes. 🤍

Do you think that some of the children (or maybe thankful adults!) would carve out little pokeshi dolls of all the Pokémon Ingo & Emmet defeat as like. Trophies or something? 

🥺🥺🥺 awwhhhh that's SUCH a cute idea!!! I love that. I never thought about that before, but I definitely think that should happen. They would be so emotional about it too. Emmet is trying so hard to maintain a cool persona but then some kid runs up to him and hands him a little handmade doll and I feel like he might just burst into tears to be honest.

The reason gliscor is there is uh. Because I love gliscor.

*Nodding* A delightful edition

Would be funky to have a few random pokemon that just. Help out sometimes. Maybe the attacking ‘mon is close to a den and maternal instinct is Very Strong. 

I feel like it's definitely likely due to simply how aggressive wild pokemon are in Hisui, but at the same time most gigantamax pokemon are between 70 and 120 feet tall. Which is HUGE. I still think there would be some defensive pokemon like you're saying, but I have a feeling the large majority will be fleeing for their lives kfjsdhgsdkh

(You have reminded me of crabulon’s theme at 4:00 skndnwjs)

I have provided the link for everyone so they can see this. That's exactly correct and you understand the vibe perfectly. Also you have great taste

I am SO sorry it took me so long to answer this one! And I still have to go answer the other one too (intense nervous sweating) so that's my bad! It is harder to build the energy to type responses when school is taking most of my energy in a day. Shocker I know /j But anyways!! Nonetheless!! Thank you for the ask :D It was a pleasure read and respond! I wrote most of my responses at different times so I hope it still reads coherently enough >>;

I'm gonna go read over the other one now to start working on a response to that one :> Not sure how long it'll take me but it will happen eventually

Have a great day!! Thanks for the ask! 🌠🤍

[coff-in]

UGH!! /pos i LIVE for ashley praising the reader and complimenting her appearance!! ＼(^_^)／ i have a weird think for any sort of praise (in smut writings, of course but i always gravitated towards praise in my everyday life and grovel easily because of it (〃´▽`))

the smut was yummy as well!! ^^ i can't help but see ashley as a switch, rather rough dom and bratty bottom, yk? though if reader had to dom i can see her struggling to do so... i mean, she's likely never had so much control in her life!! she's probably so overwhelmed by suddenly having that sort of control! Σ(*ﾟДﾟ*)

idk what your stance on futanari is but i don't entirely see it as too unrealistic(?) can probably be a temporary or perma thing as a result from some sort of demonic offering. i won't go too much into that if you're uncomfortable with that topic though, since i know futa isn't for everyone! i mainly use it due to a (well, fictional) breeding kink and since my preference is women, you can see how that one spawns (;^_^A

ahh at this point i'm just rambling more now!! (´Д` ) though i did write this ask with the intent to ramble i did not expect to ramble that much! watch me regret this one in the morning, lol ｡･(つд`｡)･｡

- 🕊

notes from coff-in: you're alright 🕊 anon, i'm fine with futanari. i'm not too familiar with how it works though (my understanding of it after looking it up is that it's a woman who was born with a penis). i'm glad you enjoyed my last response! :D

[fem] reader-insert, [afab] reader-insert, NSFW, some genital switching shenanigans, pet play??? (i refer to [reader] as a puppy and mention 'pet' again later), mentioned free use kink

speaking of demon summoning :3 do you think ashley would be into roleplay? i could definitely see her acting out as a succubus being summoned by a devote cultist ([reader]) and maybe putting [reader] in her place for, idk, tampering with the dark arts. such a fucking loser, having to summon a succubus to actually get laid. she's so lucky that ashley finds her to be cute!

is ashley had a penis she'd be pretty rough fucking [reader]. i think she's like positions that have her looking at [reader] face-to-face, keeping that eye contact. her rhythm is off a bit but she makes up for it with her equal mix of praise and degradation and her scratches. if [reader] had a penis ashley would praise it so much! "aww, what a cute cock you have! look at it, blushing and drooling for me. and so hard, too! i bet it's happy to see me huh?" she'd suck [reader] off sloppily (so so sloppily) and fondle her balls. giggling at the fucked out face [reader] makes, along with the whimpers and moans she lets out.

it'd be funny if [reader] or ashley were bigger than andrew. idk but i just chuckle at the thought of andrew being jealous at [reader] for not only (sort of kind of) dating his sister but also being bigger than him (or thicker, idk)

live love ashley, i suddenly got a thought of her calling [reader] puppy in the bedroom once. i mean--- she's not wrong, no? [reader]'s an obedient little puppy, wagging her tail whenever ashley talks to her, humping her pillow or just fucking breeding into ashley when they're horny AUUGH 😩 they're such a couple together i love that for them

this makes me think of andrew and ashley having [reader] around as a little free use pet to have sex with whenever but that's an idea for later you know? you know, you know

it's such a wonderful day whenever you come visit my inbox and grace us with your presence, 🕊️ anon. your brain just blesses us with it's divine visions, thank you thank you!! i hope you enjoyed this as much as i did :)

----

coff-in

[aliteral-ghost]

This is something I wrote for a trial run of a 100 minute event where the entire fic is outlined, written, and posted in 100 minutes. I had so much fun writing this and figuring out how to write it in 100 minutes! The prompt I chose to write was a roommates au :)

~~~~~~~~~~

To have a home

Cleo has just brought her first box into the apartment when she hears a little cough from the doorway.

“Long time no see,” a far-too-familiar voice says, smile tinging his voice. Cleo nearly punctures a hole in the box she's carrying.

“No. There's no way this happened. This can't be right.”

“Oh, it is, Cleo,” Etho says, grinning. “I requested you.” Cleo stares at him, mouth wide open. The last time they spoke it was a massive, blowout fight about… well, they can't remember. Probably something stupid Etho did. And now they're roommates?

“Okay,” Cleo says slowly, setting the box down so she doesn't throw it at him. “Why?”

He puts on an impressive set of puppy dog eyes and walks over, placing a hand on their shoulder. Cleo doesn't shrug it off, but she wants to.

“I missed you,” Etho says. “Remember how it was freshman year with you and me and Bdubs? We had fun.”

They remember consoling Bdubs when he and Etho broke up for the ten millionth time. They remember Etho being wishy-washy with his loyalty.

“How is Bdubs, by the way?” Cleo asks. “I haven't spoken to him in a while.”

“Oh he's fine! Doing great! We broke up again a few months ago and now he's moved in with some other guys.” That isn't surprising. Cleo's honestly more surprised that they both kept coming back for more.

“Okay, then,” Cleo says, putting her box down so she doesn't throw it at him. “Where's our third roommate, then? Do you know them?”

Just then, a little sandy brown head pops into the doorway. He weaves around the boxes and waves at Cleo when she's in eyeshot. Grian. She knows Grian, too, although less well than Etho. He's never really done nothing to hurt her, just been annoying.

“Hey guys!” Grian says. “Don't mind me, I'll just be in and out!” Sure enough, he's gone within the blink of an eye, with the fleeting shout of “Just had to check my dishwasher!”

“Okay,” Cleo says. “This is fine.” This is fine. It's only for the year, and if she really hates it she can move out earlier. Everything is fine.

“I'm glad you're so positive about this too,” Etho says smugly. Cleo wants to wipe the smug smile off his face, but she instead heads for the door.

“Just-don't get in my way when I'm moving in.”

A few months later Cleo is talking to a few of her art school friends when the topic of her roommates comes up.

“I want to say it's been awful,” Cleo says. “But they're actually fine roommates. Like Grian I hardly see, but Etho does the dishes? He has his own dishwashing apron!”

“You've got a better situation than I do,” False says. “I still have to live with my twin sister.”

“And me!” Joe cuts in.

“And you, Joe,” False concedes. “You're not the bad part.”

“We have game nights,” Cleo wails. “I can't hate this guy when he's been teaching me Wardens and Withers.”

“Ooh, I love that game!” Joe says. “It's a little hard to get into, but once you understand all the cards it can be really fun!”

“Oh, God, now you've got him talking about card games again,” False groans, rolling her eyes.

“It's just– I don't know, it feels like he actually wants to try in our friendship again, instead of constantly having drama.” They stare into their swirling latte, foam art depicting a little smiley face.

“So let him,” Joe suggests. “Have fun. By the way, False, you remember we have a WnW session tonight, right?”

False sighs. “Yeah, I'll be there.”

Cleo leaves them to their bickering and heads home, thoughts swirling around her head. Maybe she should give Etho another chance. He does seem like he's really trying this time.

When they get home, both Etho and Grian are in the kitchen, seemingly plotting out some sort of crime or something. Grian has his little leopard gecko out (it's named Etho’s dishwasher, for some reason) and is letting it run all over the plans.

“Welcome back, Cleo,” Etho says when she walks through the door. “We're planning a prank on Scar. Want to join?”

Cleo looks at the three of them, and the plans on the table, and smiles. “I'd love to, actually.”